At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, Jas Khaira, global head of Blackstone N1, will share insights on how to build enduring AI companies amid rapid growth and high capital demands. Khaira will discuss what Blackstone looks for in category-defining AI startups, emphasizing that raising large amounts of capital is necessary to support infrastructure, talent, and expansion but does not guarantee long-term success. His session, “Building the Next Generation of AI Giants,” aims to guide founders through critical financing decisions made early in a company’s growth trajectory.

Khaira points out that scaling AI startups today often involves heavy investments not only in product development but also in compute power, data centers, and other infrastructure requirements. For example, Blackstone’s recent commitment of up to $600 million in equity to Indian AI infrastructure company Neysa, alongside an additional $600 million in planned debt financing, highlights the scale of capital needed. Moreover, the $1.5 billion joint venture backing Anthropic’s new AI implementation company Ode shows Blackstone’s focus on supporting innovative AI solutions beyond foundational models.

The discussion at Disrupt will distinguish companies that achieve early momentum from those positioned for lasting impact. Khaira highlights that founders frequently juggle multiple challenges simultaneously — raising funds, building teams, chasing customers, and ensuring competitive advantages endure. He will provide an investor’s perspective on how to navigate these complexities and what key factors set apart AI companies with sustainable potential from those with short-lived growth.

Jas Khaira, who joined Blackstone in 2004 and now leads its AI and growth investing platforms, encourages founders and stakeholders attending Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco from October 13-15 to leverage his insights. Attendees will gain a closer look at how one of the world’s largest alternative asset managers evaluates AI startups and determines where to allocate capital. The event also offers discounts for bringing colleagues, aiming to foster broader learning and networking across more than 200 sessions and hundreds of exhibiting startups.